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HARRISBURG - School safety could be improved if teachers wear wireless pendants so they can signal trouble, retired police officers are hired to screen visitors at entrances and students have access to more mental health services, according to recommendations recently made by a special House committee. The report by the House Select Committee for School Safety came five months after lawmakers approved $8.5 million for an expanded safe schools initiative in the state budget. It provides grants to pay for school resource officers, emergency training and violence prevention programs.

Recommendations

The committee issued a set of recommendations covering such topics as security technology, school emergency planning, role of law enforcement, bullying and mental health initiatives. It was formed in the wake of the deadly shooting at a Connecticut school nearly a year ago.

Some recommendations call for passage of legislation and state appropriations with recognition that state finances are tight. Others are steps school districts can take on their own.

In addition to surveillance systems and locked doors, schools should give teachers and administrators wireless pendants and install panic buttons in front offices, the committee suggested.

"Most people have seen commercials advertising pendants that can be worn and used to contact emergency personnel in case of any injury or other emergency," said Rep. Todd Rock, R-90, Waynesboro, a committee member. "Why not give teachers similar devices that they could use in case of a crisis in the classroom?"

Pennsylvania needs to provide substantially more funding for school safety, said Rep. Kevin Haggerty, D-112, Dunmore, who welcomed the report.

Mr. Haggerty didn't sit on the committee, but he has focused on school safety issues since taking office. He proposes placing resource officers in all elementary schools and enabling private foundations and businesses to make donations to the state Office of School Safety budget.

Controversial issue

The committee weighed in on a controversial issue saying that school personnel who are not properly trained school police officers, resource officers or security officers should not be armed on school property.

The report gives a nod to a House bill providing for hiring retired police officers to act as a "choke point" for screening visitors, but recognizes this would have to be implemented gradually given fiscal constraints.

And it calls for considering existing bills to exempt school board discussions of security issues from open meeting requirements and to require more extensive employment interviews for job applicants who would have direct contact with children.

The committee urged more state funding for student assistance programs that offer early intervention for student mental health issues.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

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